Abstract

Rhinosinusitis is a significant and increasing health problem, resulting in a large financial burden on society. It is multifactorial in origin. With age, several predisposing factors change and rhinosinusitis manifests differently. Management thereof is evolving and controversial. Usually, rhinitis and sinusitis appear concurrently in most individuals, therefore the correct terminology is "rhinosinusitis". The case definition has been stratified into a technical description that is useful for ear, nose and throat specialists, and a clinical definition that is pertinent for other healthcare-professionals.